Archive for the 'David Aardsma' Tag Under 'Angels' Category

Can you name the four Opening Day closers for the American League West?

Hint: There's no Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson to be found here.

Right now, the AL West closers would be Fernando Rodney (Angels), Brandon League (Mariners), Alexi Ogando (Rangers) ... and Brian Fuentes (Athletics).

Oakland's Andrew Bailey, the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year, went down Monday, doubling over in pain during a game because of elbow pain and forearm stiffness. He's headed to Alabama to see Dr. Andrews, and Fuentes, who saved 71 games over two years with the Angels, is the most likely candidate to replace him.

It's so quiet around here, you can almost hear Jered Weaver's ERA drop, and Scott Boras' future salary demands escalate.

It's a shame Weaver likely won't be able to pitch in the All-Star Game in Anaheim because of his July 11 start, but the Angels right-hander should either be voted to or added to the team, and then substituted if the staff feels he can't be used.

He could probably pitch an inning on his workout day in the ASG, but the leagues haven't been taking pitchers who start on the last day before the break.

Is there any question now that Weaver is worthy of ace status? A 1.06 WHIP and .217 BAA against, plus 124 strikeouts against only 26 walks -- that's the stuff Cy Young Awards are made of. Weaver is 8-3 with a 2.82 ERA, but should have 10, probably 11 victories right now.